2023-07-16 04:04:10
The expert emphasizes the importance of early detection of this cardiovascular condition.
By: Luisa Ochoa
Julio 16, 2023
Although peripheral arterial disease is a very common condition seen by cardiologists, it is often unknown to many people. In addition, this condition of the legs It has a close relationship with heart disease.
This was explained by Dr. Eric Carro, interventional cardiologist and specialist in vascular medicine, during the annual convention of the Puerto Rican Society of Cardiology, where he urged the population to prevent and detect peripheral arterial disease on time.
“Peripheral arterial disease is a very common condition, but one regarding which we sometimes don’t know as much. Many people know regarding heart disease, but sometimes they don’t know that there is a very close relationship between the two conditions, ”he said.
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Peripheral arterial disease has a great impact on the cardiovascular level
“When we talk regarding disease of the arteries of the legswe realize that what clogs those arteries is the same thing that clogs the arteries of the heartof the brain, and for that reason, people who have it may have decreased circulation of the legs that can lead to events as serious as an amputation”, he added.
The expert emphasized that peripheral arterial disease carries numerous risks for patients. In fact, it has been observed that this condition is one of the main causes of amputation worldwide, which significantly affects people’s quality of life.
“But we shouldn’t limit ourselves to that, because peripheral arterial disease is related to disease cardiovascular. Many times patients are not only at risk of amputation, but are at high risk of heart attack when heartstroke, or even dying from cardiovascular causes,” he explained.
(Also read: This is how you can treat peripheral arterial disease)
Which people are at higher risk for peripheral arterial disease?
According to the cardiologist, anyone who has diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol, have a higher risk of suffering from this disease. It is worth mentioning that aging is also a factor that predisposes it.
“If a young person experiences pain in the legs, you should start seeking medical evaluations, as it might be an indication of peripheral arterial disease. The sedentary lifestyle also increases the risk of developing this disease, ”she emphasized.
What can a person do to identify this condition in time?
“The first thing is to have medical follow-up. People who are having some type of symptom such as pain in the legs when walking, -although most have atypical symptoms, that their feet get tired legsthey feel numb – they should be evaluated with the doctor even once a year ”.
Doctors usually evaluate the pulses in the feet and if they do not feel a pulse it is a warning sign of this disease.
In addition, there is the ankle-brachial index test that also contributes to the diagnosis of this condition. It consists of analyzing whether there is a marked discrepancy in the pressure between the ankles and the arms.
(He is interested in: Absence of pulses in the feet, a sign of peripheral arterial disease)
Fortunately, there are treatments available and there are many alternatives for peripheral artery disease that you can discuss with your doctor.
“I urge the entire population to carry out medical follow-up to detect any circulatory problem and seek treatment on time,” the cardiologist urged.
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